Stereo Refocus Processing for Focus Shift in Dual-Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting focus shift between stereoscopic images captured via two optical systems are inadequate, leading to user discomfort during stereoscopic viewing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that adjusts the in-focus degree difference between images captured via different optical systems by performing refocus processing on one or both images, allowing for independent or connected adjustment of focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If refocus processing is performed on both images independently, then focus adjustment flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between independent and connected adjustment modes based on operational needs. The control unit can select whether to adjust focus independently for each image or connectively for both images, providing adaptive flexibility without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus adjustment process is segmented into two distinct modes: independent adjustment for each image and connected adjustment for both images. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex focus scenarios by breaking them down into manageable processing steps, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If refocus processing is performed to adjust focus shift, then viewing comfort is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focus adjustment during the image capture phase using the autofocus mechanism. By pre-adjusting focus before capturing stereoscopic images, the need for extensive post-processing refocus operations is reduced, thereby decreasing processing time while maintaining viewing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies refocus processing selectively rather than uniformly to all images. When focus shift is detected in only one image, refocus processing is applied only to that specific image, reducing overall processing time while still achieving the desired viewing comfort for the stereoscopic pair.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to acquire first image data acquired by imaging via a first optical system and second image data acquired by imaging via a second optical system, and adjust an in-focus degree difference between the first image data and the second image data by performing, using one of the first image data and the second image data as reference image data, refocus processing for the other of the first image data and the second image data.